National Position Rankings: Class of 2029 (Top 25 PGs)

The Prep Hoops Next National Rankings for the Class of 2029 have recently been expanded and updated to reflect the Top 50 players across the country. As the grassroots circuit season gets underway in youth basketball, our exploration into the current eighth-grade group continues with the PHN National Position Rankings.    We begin this series with PHN National Top 25 Point Guard Rankings. The point guard is often referred to as the "floor general," the player who orchestrates the offense, and ensures the team operates smoothly. This role is critical for every team's success, and mastering it requires a blend of physical, mental, and emotional attributes.    While physical attributes significantly impact a point guard's effectiveness, they are much more difficult to develop compared to intangibles, which are less influenced by one's genetic makeup. For the point guard segment of this series, we'll focus on skills rather than physicality, but those respective inherent traits will be examined in upcoming headlines.   PHN National Rankings evaluate prospects based on their future potential, but current, translatable production is also considered important. Take a moment to review the five key factors (organized alphabetically by category) that form the foundation of these positional rankings. These factors highlight the essential qualities for any player aiming to thrive as a point guard…   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   1. Ball-Handling & Body Control   Exceptional ball-handling skill is a non-negotiable trait for point guards. The ability to handle pressure, break down defenses, and create opportunities by utilizing the dribble often separates good players from great ones. Point guards in particular should be able to dribble and pass effectively with both hands while sustaining body control in traffic.   Steady body control and maintaining a low center of gravity are essential for a point guard's success on the court. Playing low allows for better balance, quicker changes of direction, and increased stability when attacking opponents or navigating defensive pressure. It also enables a point guard to absorb contact and finish plays at a higher rate.    Pulliam's Perspective: I purposefully watch how a player handles the ball under duress. Are they calm and composed when double-teamed or facing a trap? Can they create separation with their dribble? What spots on the floor and areas of opponents' bodies do they attack?   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   2. Communication & Character   A great point guard must be a vocal and emotional leader on the court. This doesn't mean they need to be the loudest player, but they should command respect through their communication and actions. Directing tempo, calling plays, and motivating teammates are all part of the role.   Young floor generals should attempt to take ownership of their team's success and shortcomings. Encouraging teammates during practices, providing constructive feedback, and leading by example are all ways to grow as a leader. An emphasis on developing these skills can foster valuable traits off the court as well.   Pulliam's Perspective: I pay close attention to how a point guard interacts with teammates. Do they lift others up during tough moments? Are they vocal in huddles and on defense? Leadership is as much about attitude as it is about execution.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   3. Playmaking & Decision-Making    The hallmark of an elite point guard is the ability to efficiently make plays and decisions. The best floor generals have demonstrated not only an uncanny ability to see the floor but have also displayed the tools required to read the floor and set up their teammates for success.    This involves anticipating plays, recognizing defensive schemes, and making split-second decisions under pressure. Additionally, the understanding of spacing and movement, the ability to analyze how defenses react to ball movement, and learning how to exploit gaps are just a few of the most important factors as point guards work to sharpen their skills.    Pulliam's Perspective: When evaluating young point guards, I look for their ability to make the “next pass” in order to play “an action ahead”. Do they pass up a good shot for a great one? Are they adept at navigating pick-and-roll situations and finding the roll man or weak-side shooter?   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   4. Shooting Ability & Scoring Versatility   In the modern game, the style of play for point guards varies tremendously, but all other strengths can mostly be neutralized if a lead guard cannot shoot the basketball with confidence and consistency. Efficient shooting ability keeps defenses honest, and in theory, creates more opportunities for teammates.   That said, it is crucial to distinguish between shooting ability and scoring versatility. Shooting ability, specifically highlights the player's reliability and range as a shooter. Scoring versatility, on the other hand, encompasses the areas on the court where the player is most effective. The more scoring variety, typically the more dynamic that player is, which forces opponents to continually make adjustments.   Pulliam's Perspective: Great point guards know when to take over a game and when to defer to teammates on offense. Gaining an understanding of translatable skills is universally valuable for all evaluators and that's especially true when it comes to assessing shooting ability and scoring versatility.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   5. Defensive Tenacity   A great point guard is not just an offensive maestro; they're also a defensive stalwart. On-ball defense is particularly important, as point guards often set the tone for a team's defensive intensity. Quick feet, active hands, and a high basketball IQ are essential for disrupting opposing offenses.    Floor generals who embrace the challenge of defending the opposing team's best ball-handler often have an overarching competitive edge. Toughness and motor elevate a young player's profile in the eyes of coaches and scouts alike.   Pulliam's Perspective: I'm intentional in evaluating a player's defensive energy. Do they possess the stamina to pressure the ball full court? Are they effective at creating turnovers without committing fouls? The ability to anticipate, react, and capitalize defensively can separate elite point guards from their peers.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   CLASS OF 2029 POINT GUARD RANKINGS   If you're still reading, hopefully, it's clear that to be included on the following list of point guards is no easy feat. The details above provide the framework of qualifications to be considered for this distinction but each player must remain diligent in working toward long-term success or risk being passed by more driven classmates.   The journey to greatness is long, but Prep Hoops Next will continue to be watching closely to see which players rise to the challenge and claim their spot among the next generation of elite floor generals from the Class of 2029…   <figure class="wp-block-table is-style-regular"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>1. </td><td>Josiah Brooks</td><td>6'2"</td><td>Florida</td><td>Florida Rebels</td></tr><tr><td>2.</td><td>Dominic Mauro</td><td>5'10"</td><td>New Jersey</td><td>NY Lightning</td></tr><tr><td>3.</td><td>Jordan McDaniel</td><td>5'8"</td><td>Michigan</td><td>The Family</td></tr><tr><td>4.</td><td>Will Conroy, Jr.</td><td>5'7"</td><td>California</td><td>Paul George Elite</td></tr><tr><td>5.</td><td>Phillip Reed</td><td>6'0"</td><td>California</td><td>Oakland Soldiers</td></tr><tr><td>6.</td><td>Armani Morris</td><td>6'2"</td><td>Florida</td><td>Tre Mann Elite</td></tr><tr><td>7.</td><td>Demetrius Hunter, Jr.</td><td>5'9"</td><td>Nevada</td><td>Vegas Elite</td></tr><tr><td>8.</td><td>Quali Giran</td><td>6'0"</td><td>California</td><td>Paul George Elite</td></tr><tr><td>9.</td><td>Brandon "BJ" Lafell, Jr.</td><td>6'0"</td><td>Texas</td><td>Gulf Coast Blue Chips</td></tr><tr><td>10. </td><td>Kenneth "KJ" Rivers</td><td>5'9"</td><td>Virginia</td><td>Team Takeover</td></tr><tr><td>11.</td><td>Koi Wilkins</td><td>5'9"</td><td>Nevada</td><td>Vegas Elite</td></tr><tr><td>12.</td><td>Chris Martinez</td><td>5'7"</td><td>Texas</td><td>Houston Hoops</td></tr><tr><td>13.</td><td>Reggie Evans, Jr.</td><td>6'3"</td><td>Florida</td><td>The Grind Is Real</td></tr><tr><td>14.</td><td>Dallas Baldwin</td><td>5'11"</td><td>New Jersey</td><td>NY Lightning</td></tr><tr><td>15.</td><td>Khory Copeland, Jr.</td><td>6'0"</td><td>Pennsylvania</td><td>Team Melo</td></tr><tr><td>16.</td><td>Zaiden Nelson</td><td>6'0"</td><td>Georgia</td><td>Jet Academy</td></tr><tr><td>17.</td><td>Tristan Robinson</td><td>5'10"</td><td>New York</td><td>New Heights</td></tr><tr><td>18.</td><td>Zaire Colbert</td><td>5'11"</td><td>Florida</td><td>Tre Mann </td></tr><tr><td>19.</td><td>Boris Tolbert, Jr.</td><td>6'0"</td><td>Texas</td><td>LivOn</td></tr><tr><td>20.</td><td>Colby Evans</td><td>6'0"</td><td>Louisiana </td><td>Runway Jets</td></tr><tr><td>21.</td><td>Innocent Onwo</td><td>6'2"</td><td>Arizona</td><td>Compton Magic</td></tr><tr><td>22.</td><td>Carter Abrahams</td><td>5'10"</td><td>New York</td><td>NY Lightning</td></tr><tr><td>23.</td><td>Will Tonagel</td><td>5'10"</td><td>Indiana</td><td>IBA Bird</td></tr><tr><td>24.</td><td>Zion Lawson</td><td>5'11"</td><td>North Carolina</td><td>Team Charlotte</td></tr><tr><td>25.</td><td>Brayden Whitaker</td><td>5'11"</td><td>Maryland</td><td>Team Thrill</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>   Stay tuned for more from Prep Hoops Next!

The Prep Hoops Next National Rankings for the Class of 2029 have recently been expanded and updated to reflect the Top 50 players across the country. As the grassroots circuit season gets underway in youth basketball, our exploration into the current eighth-grade group continues with the PHN National Position Rankings.